MENSA’s not-so-smart list of smartest TV shows

Ever wondered what people withreally high IQs do in their spare time? Neither have I. Well, OK, Ihave wondered what some of them do. To the point of distraction, infact.

But whether you wanted to knowor not, Fancast reportsthat MENSA chairman Jim Werdell watches about 10 hours of televisionevery day. (The average Americanwatches four anda half hours.) And apparently, the combination of high IQ and televisionaddiction makes Werdell qualified to list the 10 smartest TV showsof all time.

I won’t argue with No. 1, simplybecause my daddy’s favorite television show was M*A*S*H and hewas smart. That’s good enough for me.

I’ll also concede that Frasier,All in the Family and West Wing deserve spots on the list.(Dang, how much do you miss C.J.?)

The others are a little iffy,in my opinion. I know some of you are avid CSI and Houselovers and, admittedly, both shows have exceptional taste in stars.

But would CSI existif not for X-Files? Scully used forensics before forensics wascool.

And how could Boston Legalbe smarter than David Kelley‘s legal show that paved the way, L.A. Law?

I don’t find the inclusionof Mad About You as appalling as some bloggers do. It usually made me laugh, whichis one of my top criteria for intelligence. And hey, Helen Hunt.

But is Mad smarter than Newhart, Seinfeld or Arrested Development? Not so much.

And what about the brilliantcomedy starring one of Hollywood’s most famous MENSA members?

The list fails to include anyfemale-fronted shows, something I am ashamed to admit I didn’t noticeuntil Dorothy Snarker pointed it out. That brings me to Murphy Brown,a show so smart that even Dan Quayle couldn’t understand it. Oh, wait.

Werdell also overlooked anotherwoman-centric show, 30 Rock, which happens to be the most intelligentcomedy currently in production.

I’m a bit dismayed that narya sci-fi show made the list. In his 10 hours a day, has MENSA Man neverseen any of the Star Trek franchise?

Worst of all, however, is theomission of what I consider the smartest show ever made. It was — andstill is — full of brilliant humor on so many levels that I find somethingnew to appreciate with every viewing. It also taught me the joy of punning— both a blessing and a curse. Any true Mr. Know-It-All would bow tothe genius that is The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.

What do you think of the MENSAchairman’s list? Has he been watching too much television — or not enough?What would top your list of the smartest TV shows ever made?